Chandra X-ray Observatory detection of extended X-ray emission from the planetary nebula BD+30◦3639

We report the detection of well resolved, extended X-ray emission from the young planetary nebula BD +30◦ 3639 using the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) aboard the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The X-ray emission from BD +30◦3639 appears to lie within, but is concentrated to one side of, the interior of the shell of ionized gas seen in high-resolution optical and IR images. The relatively low X-ray temperature (Tx~3×10^6 K) and asymmetric morphology of the X-ray emission suggests that conduction fronts are present and/or mixing of shock-heated and photoionized gas has occurred and, furthermore, hints at the presence of magnetic fields. The ACIS spectrum suggests that the X-ray emitting region is enriched in the products of helium burning. Our detection of extended X-ray emission from BD +30◦3639 demonstrates the power and utility of Chandra imaging as applied to the study of planetary nebulae (Refer to PDF file for exact formulas)